Title: Beautifully Terrifying

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: It was pointed out to me that I made Serenity a little contraditory. She's willing to give up her life for her people, but she's not willing to give herself to Endymion to save them. I'd just like to address that because, although I didn't notice it, it's totally true. But I think what I was trying to portray is that she's standing up to him. At that point in the story, she's alone with him and she's angry enough to stand up to him. She would give up everything, and she would do anything to help them, but she's still a strong enough person to fight. I hope that clears it up a bit as I wouldn't want anyone to be confused with my writing. Thank you so much for the note!

Anyway, here's the next chapter! I have a slow day today so I might try and proof a couple of chapters so that next week, or possible this weekend, I'll be able to post a few more. Hope you like it!

Serenity stubbornly kept her eyes open as the inky black night slowly crawled into the dim gray light of morning. She watched the moving shapes in the forest in fear, praying that they couldn't get through the gates. She wanted to go out there and tell Artemis. She needed to warn everyone, and get them back in the manor. Surely they would be safe.

Her exhaustion weighed on her heavily, but she pushed it aside, forcing herself to stay alert. All she had to do was wait until she was let out, and she could warn them.

Her eyes drifted closed slowly, as they had a hundred times already that night. For a moment, everything went quiet.

Serenity cried out in fear and fell backwards as the screeching sound echoed through the forests.

Terror gripped her.

Cries from the people down below reached her.

Another screech was heard, this time accompanied with the bang of metal.

They were at the gates.

Serenity vaulted off the floor and took off through the room until she reached the door. She pulled, but it didn't budge.

She spun around in the room, looking for anything to help her get out.

The screeching echoed through her head again and she covered her ears as the memories of the first time these creatures had come invaded her senses. Her heart slammed around in her chest.

She stared at the window.

Frozen in fear.

The drumming of her heart was all she could hear.

She breathed raggedly.

She couldn't go back to the window. She couldn't look.

Screams drifted up to her.

She felt herself going completely numb.

She came crashing back to herself when he grabbed her arm roughly, and stepped abruptly into her vision. His blue eyes stormy, and his presence suddenly overwhelming her.

"Please help them," she whispered helplessly.

She watched Endymion turn around and look out the window. It was strange, being more afraid of what was outside then him. In that moment, he seemed like just another person, and it was the first time she had seen him in the graying light of the day.

"It has nothing to do with me," he said quietly, not looking at her.

"Please," she begged softly. "Please, don't let us die."

She saw him shake his head, and then he turned around to look at her with so much pain in his eyes she was startled.

"Come with me," he said, quickly pulling her towards the door.

Serenity could hardly comprehend what was going on as he moved quickly through his house and deeper into the shadows. He lead her somewhere she hadn't been before, down winding hallways and around corners. She had no idea where they were going, but her mind couldn't think of anything but what was happening.

At last he pulled her into a room shrouded in darkness and turned back to look at her.

"I need you to stay here," he said softly.

Serenity was so caught off guard by his change in mannerisms that she could hardly figure it all out. She just shook her head, unable to do anything else.

Endymion pleaded with his eyes. She could see right into them, as if they told her all the secrets of the man in front of her.

Her breathing was ragged.

"If you promise to stay here until I return, I will send my guards out to help your people."

"I don't……." She didn't understand.

"I can't go out. If I stay here much longer, I'll……..you're not safe with me here, and neither will your people be. But my guards are different. I will send them."

"But…."

Serenity nearly lept back as a shudder past through him and the room was hit with icy cold waves.

He cried out in pain.

The coldness of his presence swarmed around them.

"I will send them," he said hoarsely, clutching his chest. "Please, just stay here. You'll be safe here."

She didn't answer. She couldn't answer. He walked more jaggedly than she had seen him before, with his shoulders slightly hunched over himself. He nearly threw himself out the door as another shudder passed over him, and barely got himself through before slamming it loudly behind him.

Serenity was left breathing hard staring at the door.

The soft echo of those screeching creatures came from somewhere far away.

Serenity paced for what seemed like hours. Anxiety was strung completely through her, making her muscles ache with tension and her head hurt with the pressure. But she refused to rest. She had to know what was happening.

It had been a long time since she had heard the last screech of those beasts, and she was barely managing not to go mad with just sitting in this room, waiting.

This room.

Serenity looked around again.

She knew where she was, and it made her shiver. It was his bedroom. She could tell just by looking at it. The dark satin materials on the bed, and the lack of windows and personal belongings. It was cold and unfeeling. Everything about it was black as night, and smelled like him. His presence lingered, softly.

The only color in the room at all was a crystal vase, with six blooming red roses resting gently and quietly in clear water. She could smell their aroma wherever she stood, but she was afraid to go near.

Why had he put her here?

He had said she would be safe, but she wasn't sure what she would be safe from. He had seemed scared, almost panicked at the last minutes. He was afraid that he would hurt her, that much was clear.

Her mind was in a world of turmoil. Suddenly, a thousand more questions arose about him, and she couldn't answer any of them.

She breathed out in frustration.

She jumped at the sound of a bolt turning in the door.

It opened slowly, swinging smoothly on its hinges as white hair appeared from the shadows. For a brief, hopeful moment, she thought it was Artemis.

Kunzite smiled softly at her as he entered fully.

Two things hit her at the same time. One was disappointment, that he wasn't Artemis. The second, was completely and utter despair at the blood on his clothes.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting this long," he said in a smooth, calm voice. "It wasn't safe for me to come to you."

"What happened?" She asked in a weak voice.

"The beasts that attacked your village seem to have found you, and if you had not been within the gates of the masters manor, you would all have died."

"Is everyone okay?"

Kunzite gave her a short bow. "There were not many casualties, but your leader has decided that action must be taken immediately."

"Artemis? Is he okay? What about Luna? Was Andrew hurt?"

"I am sorry my lady, I do not know the names of all your people. The woman who you spent most of your time with was not injured, and you will hopefully be able to see her soon."

"Andrew is blond, and as tall as……." She couldn't think of a comparison.

"I believe he is fine. Please Serenity, try and calm down. The situation for the moment has passed, and although it is not over, there is no need at this moment to fear."

"Where is Endymion?" She asked.

He looked at her surprised. "What do you mean?"

"Where is he?"

"Endymion can't……he is in another part of the castle."

"Is he hurt?"

Kunzite stepped towards her. "You are concerned for him?"

"Did he fight?"

Kunzite smiled. "Endymion must fight every single day, but besides giving us orders to go, he was not involved in today's battle."

Serenity nodded. "He just……he seemed in pain, when he left me here."

"There is a very good chance he was."

"What is he?" She asked looked up at him with pleading eyes. "Please, I don't understand what's going on. He was so cold, and then……….I don't know what to think of any of this."

"Your white knight knows more answers then I am at liberty to tell you. Perhaps, when you see him again, you should ask him."

She could only nod.

"If you care for him as you say you do," Kunzite said. "Perhaps it might be better if you showed him that."

Serenity looked at him confused. "I didn't say I cared for him, I just wondered if he was hurt."

Kunzite smiled. "Of course."

"Can I go back to them now?" She asked.

He nodded, turning to walk out of the room.

She followed quickly, hugging herself as the cold air brushed passed her. Kunzite walked quickly, and yet he glided smoothly, just like Artemis did. She had to hurry to keep up with him.

She summoned up what remained of her courage.

"Are you like Artemis?" She asked quickly.

For a moment he didn't answer, just strode on. She thought that he might not answer. If Artemis didn't want to say something, he simply did it.

"We are from the same people."

The answer startled her. Honestly, she didn't believe that Artemis was from anywhere. His past was such a mystery, that she had given up hope of finding out about him. She wanted to know more, but she didn't know which question to ask next.

"You're wondering if I knew him," Kunzite said after another moment.

She nodded. "Yes."

Kunzite stopped at a door and put his hand up to open it. But before he did, he looked down at her and smiled softly.

"There is not one person among our people who does not know him," he said softly. "I would predict that generations to come, his name will still be spoken by us."

"Why?"

Kunzite just smile, and pushed the door open.

Serenity was almost blinded by the light coming from the fireplace. She squinted, putting her hand up, and took a step into the room.

"Artemis!" Serenity said startled.

Artemis lept towards her, immediately enveloping her in a tight embrace. She had never seen the man move so quickly before. She held him tightly, breathing in his presence and feeling at once comforted.

"Are you alright?" He asked her softly.

Serenity wanted to cry. The strain that had been put on their relationship lately meant nothing right now. He was Artemis, and she loved him.

"I'm fine," she said with a shuddering breath.

He pulled away just far enough to look at her. She could see his eyes scan her for injuries. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she felt safe again. If Artemis was here, she believed it would all be alright.

"Where's Luna?"

"She's fine," Artemis said quickly. "Those beasts tried to get through the gates, but the guards came out and stopped them along with the remaining men of our village. When the morning became day, and the light was present, they simply seemed to vanish.

"What about Andrew?" She asked.

Artemis smiled softly at her, and then slowly pulled away from her so she could see the rest of the room. All four of Endymions guards stood there, with a few men form the village, and Andrew.

"Andrew!"

He laughed when she vaulted into his arms and held her tightly.

"Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

Andrew shook his head. "I'm fine Serenity, I promise."

"You have blood on you," she said in concern.

"It's not mine. We wounded one of the beasts. We all got a little on us."

"You saw them?"

"Actually, not really," he said furrowing his brow. "It was strange. They were there, but they weren't there. They were like shapes, made of shadow and blackness. They were real, the blood proves it, but they were……"

"They're called shaitan," Zoicite said interrupting.

Serenity turned to look at the guards, who were all looking at her and Andrew almost angrily. She stepped away from him, but didn't let go of his hand, which she notices all four of them men look at.

"They're from a place a long way from here," he continued.

"They've never before come this far," Artemis finished. "It's unclear why they're here now."

Serenity looked at him surprised. Kunzite had been right, Artemis did know the answers. She wondered why he hadn't ever said anything.

"There is a reason they've come after you," Jadeite said. "and unless you find and get rid of that reason, you will never escape them."

"We fought them off this morning," Andrew said in argument.

"With our help," Nephrite said, "and just barely before the sun came out."

"And because your master is here," Artemis said calmly.

All four men looked at him at once, with unreadable expressions on their face.

"That is probably true," Kunzite said.

Then they all turned to look at Serenity. "And he would not have helped, if she weren't here."

Andrew gripped her hand tightly.

"They will come again tonight," Nephrite said. "You must be ready."

Artemis nodded. "They must want a person," he said. "There is no other way to explain it. Any valuable possessions any of us had are gone."

"You better make sure your people aren't hiding things from you," Zoicite said.

"If they're after a person, it is likely it is a person new to the village," Kunzite said pointedly to Artemis.

Artemis met his gaze head on, and didn't answer.

"There are a few people new to the village," Serenity said. "Luna and I have only been around since I was a child, and Artemis came shortly after that. But we're not the only ones."

The fire in the fireplace, as well as all the candles in the room flickered and went dim.

The men in the room from the village looked around startled.

The four guards all stood straighter, immediately coming to attention.

Artemis stood in front of Andrew and Serenity.

Endymion emerged from the shadows of the doorway.

"We very much appreciate your help," Artemis said quickly. "If it had not been for your guards, I am sure we wouldn't be here."

"Your people wouldn't be, but you know as well as I that you would be," Endymion said quietly.

Serenity couldn't help but notice the contrast of the man standing in front of her now and the one she had seen this morning. He looked perfectly put together and in control. Whatever pain he had been in, was now gone.

The room had gone deathly quiet

Serenity felt Andrew shiver.

The fear in the room washed over her, and she realized that she wasn't afraid of him. Not anymore. She had seen him look like nothing more than a man, and she realized that in some ways, he wasn't anything more.

"Do you know what they might be after?" Serenity asked him.

He looked at her. Those shadowed eyes hiding him once again.

Nothing moved.

Serenity frowned at him, frustration setting in. She was tired, and she was stressed, and she felt in that moment like she didn't have the strength to play games with him anymore.

"If you want another price paid for your help, just tell us what it is. But you know something, and if you're not going to tell us, then your presence isn't helpful."

"Serenity," Kunzite hissed at her.

Artemis spun around to grab her arm, and his eyes frantically begged her to stop.

Endymion's presence resonated throughout the room, suffocating them all.

"I'm not afraid of you," she said defiantly, not breaking eye contact.

He stepped towards her, and immediately Kunzite stepped forward.

"Endymion, you know what kind of stress they're under. Don't take offense to……."

"You think I would hurt her?" Endymion asked him directly.

Kunzite shifted under Endymion's gaze. "You might not mean to," he whispered.

Serenity saw the hurt flicker through Endymion's eyes and he took a step back. His presence dissipated, and Serenity felt a tremor of doubt in the air. His eyes met hers again, and he looked so lost.

"I can't continue to help you," Endymion said to Artemis, gathering his composure again. "You of all people know what I can be like."

Artemis nodded. "I understand."

"The fact that you have been able to stay on my land without incident for this long will not continue."

"We just need to figure out what they want," Artemis said. "As soon as we do, we'll either give it to them, or think of a way to get buy it. Shaitan do not attack people without reason."

"Kunzite will stay with you for now, and my other guards will appear only when there is trouble. Serenity will continue her promise and you will all be allowed in the manor again. It may be safer for the women and children. But I warn you against it unless it's necessary."

"We will stay out of the manor during the day at least," Artemis said calmly.

Endymion nodded. "I appreciate that."

Serenity wanted so desperately to go to him in that moment. Endymion was a swarm of mystery, but in that moment she felt that he was nothing more than as completely lost as they all were. He shouldn't have to be alone like this.

He turned to walk away, but Artemis stepped forward.

"I do have some questions," he said.

Endymion didn't turn to look at him. "Perhaps Kunzite will be able to shed some light on your fears," he said.

It was clear that Artemis wanted to push the matter, but he didn't. He was stoic and calm as always, and let Endymion walk unhindered out of the room followed by three of his guards.

Artemis turned to look at Kunzite.

The two men looked so alike.

"It will be night again soon," Kunzite finally said. "You should organize your people, and be ready for another fight. Set up a way to search everything."

Artemis looked at Kunzite for a long moment, and then turned away without answering him. He reached out and took Serenity's hand.

"Andrew, please arrange for all the women and children to move into the manor not a moment before it is completely dark. You have less than an hour. I will get Luna to help search. She has a way with people," he said softly.

"I'll help her," Serenity said.

"You will only have an hour until you are called back to him," Artemis said gravely.

"But…"

"No buts Serenity. You decided to pay this price. Once you give your word, you can't back out no matter what the circumstances."

"Artemis, I…."

"Serenity, you and I will argue about more than a few things. But in this, there is no point." He leaned down closer to her. "You at this moment are the only reason that man is being as generous as he is. We can only speculate as to why, but we cannot give him a reason to turn on us now."

Serenity wanted nothing more than to fight him, but she knew that look.

"I will help until it's time for me to go back to him."

"Andrew, go now."

Andrew gave Serenity's hand an affectionate squeeze before leaving quickly with the other men in the room, who had stayed silent until now. That left only her and Artemis.

"You know so much more than you're saying," Serena said almost accusingly.

Artemis, still holding her hand lightly in his, looked down to the ground as if in shame. She felt bad for doing this to him, but at a time like this it couldn't be helped.

"I know you're hiding from your past, but if……"

"I'm not hiding from my past," Artemis said softly.

Serenity was silenced by his tone. She waited for him to go on, but he didn't.

"I know you know what Endymion is, and I know you think he's dangerous. But you're letting me go back to him which confuses me. I know you fought me, but if you truly thought that he would hurt me, you would have simply refused to let me go."

"I don't know who he is exactly Serenity, but I know what he is. I have fought against his kind, and I have been greeted with nothing but destruction and chaos. He comes from a race that cares for nothing and has nothing but their own darkness to push them forward. In a fairy tale, they would be the evil that lurks in the darkest parts of the world."

Serenity could only listen with wide eyes.

"But he's not like them Serenity. For some reason he's here, alone, with someone of my kind as a friend. I don't know what to make of him. I only know that his very nature is cruel."

"Why is he dangerous during the day?"

Artemis shook his head. "I don't know. His kind feed on shadow, and mostly live in darkness. But I've seen them in the day, and I don't know why he's afraid of it."

"Artemis, I have so many questions."

"I know, and I want nothing more than to answer them. But we have to make sure we get everyone out of here and we have to figure out what they want."

"How do we do that?"

"These beasts are nothing more than hired mercenary's. They will kill and feed until they claim the thing they want, and then they will return to where they came from."

"That means someone is controlling them?" Serenity said weakly. "Someone out there is doing this to us?"

Artemis nodded. "Yes."

"A person?"

"Yes," he said softly.

She looked down at their hands, his large one still holding her small one. He had a scratch stretching along his thumb that disappeared under his sleeve. It was the only time she had ever seen anything mare his perfect skin.

She felt tears come to her eyes.

It had been awhile since she cried, despite what had happened.

She felt so small in that moment, with him standing in front of her. This man she had trusted from the very moment he appeared. She tried to fight the exhaustion that kept creeping in, but she knew that it was a loosing battle.

"I can't sit around while you're all fighting," she said with a sob. "I can't hide away in his rooms while you're in trouble, and Andrew, and Luna. You're my family."

"Serenity," he said reaching out to caress her cheek softly. "All of us would give our lives to know that you were safe. It eases my mind greatly that no harm can come to you. If Endymion has truly decided that he wants to protect you, then there is no man in the world that can achieve that goal better than him."

"Why has he taken an interest in me?" She asked shakily.

"I don't know," Artemis said honestly. "I have never seen one of his kind become so attached or even responsive to someone. Even his relationship with his guards is strange."

"How do I find out why he's here?" She asked.

Artemis hesitated. "Serenity, I don't know if….."

"Artemis, please. We have to figure this all out. If I can somehow figure out who he is, then maybe we can get him to help us. If he's truly as terrible as you say he is, then he's going to know how to kill these things."

She looked at him directly, leaving no room for argument.

"Try and get close to him," Artemis finally said. "You've been able to talk to him, but not get close to him. Treat him like he's Andrew, and you care about him. Try to get him to calm down enough to speak to your openly. But remember that while you're a child of the sun, he's a master of the night. If you feel him become threatening, back off immediately."

Serenity nodded. "I will."

"I will tell Luna that you're safe," he said.

"But…."

"Go back to him Serenity. Stay safe, and make sure when the light comes out once again, you get away from him immediately. If he's unstable in the day, then he could hurt you."

"I will, I promise."

He hugged her tightly, kissing her hair lightly.

"I'll keep Luna safe," he said gently. "Don't worry about her. I will make sure that she makes it through this."

"Thank you," Serenity said, holding back her tears.

He let her go and walked swiftly from the room, leaving her behind.

Serenity stood there in the flicking light of the fire for a while, trying not to cry, but failing. She tried to breath, taking in ragged emotional breaths as he body shuddered with the effort. She tried to force herself to stay strong.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself.

Then she walked out of the room, in search of him.

End of Chapter seven!!!! Please Review!!!! Next chapter will be out soon!!!